BCC ACCESS NEWSLETTER                 December 2017
BCC High School CollegeTracks Team
 

    
Ms. Aja Simpson Zulfiqar
Program Director



 
Colleges WILL NOT send you financial aid award letters unless they receive your FAFSA!
   
Don't wait until the last minute!
 
CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE YOUR FAFSA APPOINTMENT TODAY!
         
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
 
  Lidya A.
 
What has been the most surprising part of the college application process
?
I think the most surprising part is that things are not as hard as they seem if you actually put in the work.  The application process makes a lot of people emotional, like I have cried a few times but it's okay.

What are you interested in studying in college?  Why?
I want to major in political science or law and government because I have always been interested in politics. I am really passionate about politics because I think it is unfair that the people who make our laws are not a good representation of our demographics.

What colleges are you considering?
I am applying to Lafayette, Spelman, UMD, Hampton, Lehigh and some other great schools. 

What would you like to do in college that you don't do now?
In college I want to be more active on campus and join a lot more clubs and organizations than I did in highschool.

What advice do you have for juniors who are beginning their college application journeys?
I would advise them to create a schedule and get things done before the deadline to make their life less stressful.

         
All About the CSS Profile!
 
Here is a detailed intro to the CSS Profile! 
 
The College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile is an online application, hosted by The College Board, that students use to apply for non-federal financial aid.

Almost 400 colleges and universities require students to submit a CSS Profile in order to be considered for grants and scholarships. Each college has a different deadline for completion of the CSS Profile. Deadlines can be found on each college's financial aid website.

The CSS Profile requires detailed information from students and families in order to be completed.

Only SOME colleges require the CSS Profile. 
Click here to see which colleges require it.
     
SENIORS DO NOW!

  • Finalize your college list

  • Send your ACT/SAT scores to colleges you are applying to

  • Visit colleges during early release and no-school days

  • Take a campus tour and arrange to meet with an admissions representative

  • Submit your FAFSA and, if required, the CSS Profile

  • Apply to at least 3 scholarships
Schedule an appointment with CollegeTracks TODAY!
     

PHOTO GALLERY


     
MAXIMIZE WINTER BREAK
It's tempting to unplug during the entire Winter Break, but it is one of the best times to focus on your college process. Here's how:
  • Make progress on your college applications - If you have upcoming deadlines in January and February, work on your applications during break. It's less stressful when you have time to focus.
  • Visit campuses - Some colleges may be open while you are off from school. Go to your college campuses! Get a feel for the environment, talk to current students, take a campus tour. 
  • Apply for scholarships - Use the extra time to look for and apply for scholarship money. Every penny counts!
  • Double check to ensure you've submitted supplements - Check your email and application portals to ensure your colleges have all the materials needed to apply (essays, letters of recommendation, test scores, etc.)
  • Say thanks - Your teachers and counselors have taken the time to write your letters of recommendation. Take a moment to write a note to them expressing your gratitude.
 
$CHOLARSHIP SPOTLIGHT

CLICK HERE FOR THE FALL SCHOLARSHIP PACKET

 Let us know if you're applying for any of these scholarships! 

NAME:  Burger King Scholars Program
DUE DATE:  December 15, 2017
AMOUNT: $1,000-$25,000 
ELIGIBILITY:  Residents of the U.S., Canada, or Puerto Rico. Must be in Grade 12 with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and plan to enroll full-time in an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or technical school
M ORE INFO:  Click here

NAME: FootLocker Student Athlete Scholarship
DUE DATE: December 15, 2017
AMOUNT:  $20,000
ELIGIBILITY: 
Current high school senior with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher who is a citizen or Permanent Resident of the U.S. and who is entering a four-year accredited U.S. college or university in the Fall of 2018. Must currently be a member (in good standing) of a high school sports team or to be involved in after school sports. 
MORE INFO: Click here

NAME:  Top 10 List Scholarship
DUE DATE:  December 31, 2017
AMOUNT:  $1,500
ELIGIBILITY: Thirteen years or older and legal residents of the 50 U.S. states or the District of Columbia. who plan to enroll in a post-secondary institution no later than Fall 2020. Be currently enrolled (or enroll no later than the fall of 2020) in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher education. Must submit an online short written response (250 words or less) for the question: "Create a top ten list of the top ten reasons you should get this scholarship!"
MORE INFO:  Click here

Click here for scholarships that do not require U.S. citizenship!
  
COLLEGE SPOTLIGHT! 

DID YOU KNOW? 

The Catholic University of America (CUA) is the national
university of the Catholic Church!
 
  
There are approximately 3,600 undergraduate students and 400 full-time faculty members at CUA.
 
 
CUA students are from all 50 states.  The average class size is 20 students. The male to female ratio is 45 to 55.
  
SHOUT OUTS

 

  • Seniors - you all are so impressive!  Nice work on submitting college and scholarship applications!
  • Huge shout-out to the parents and families who show incredible support.
  • Our volunteers are awesome for working tirelessly to support students through the college and financial aid processes!
  • Thank you to the BCC teachers and counselors who continue to write letters of recommendation for students!
  
CONNECT WITH COLLEGETRACKS!
                           @BCCcollegetrcks    @CollegTracksBCC